Phrases & Expressions

To get to the main point.

• Cut to the chase, please.
• Let me cut to the chase.

Very common and therefore not special or valuable.

• Reality TV shows are a dime a dozen these days.
• There are so many Starbucks in Manhattan that they're a dime a dozen.

Almost every item imaginable, especially a large number of things.

• She packed everything but the kitchen sink.
• The book includes everything but the kitchen sink.

To begin a planned activity or to start working on something.

• We can't afford to waste more time — let's get the show on the road!
• Kids, let's get the show on the road or we'll be late for the movie.

An investor who sells too quickly as soon as prices start to fall.

• Don't be paper hands; hold your stocks.
• The market panicked, and many paper hands sold.

To pay much more money for something than it is really worth.

• We paid through the nose for this hotel.
• You'll pay through the nose for that car.

To say something foolish, tactless, or embarrassing by mistake.

• I put my foot in my mouth.
• Don't put your foot in your mouth.

Immediately or from the very beginning of an event or situation.

• He answered right off the bat.
• I knew right off the bat that something was wrong.

To give up.

• After many attempts, he threw in the towel.
• Don't throw in the towel yet!

To understand or accept something that is complicated, confusing, or surprising.

• I can't wrap my head around this complex math problem.
• It took me a while to wrap my head around the new rules.